Public Guardian Program

Part of the Mental Health Division, the Public Guardian program serves and protects the most vulnerable individuals in our society. The Health Services Director is the County's Public Guardian.

The critical, every day work of the Public Guardian program is performed by the staff of the Health Services Conservatorship/Guardianship Program. The staff, including four deputy public guardians, investigate probate conservatorship referrals received from hospitals, law enforcement, adult protective services, and private individuals for those who cannot make medical decisions for themselves and when their families are unable or unwilling to step in. The Public Guardian reviews and accepts referrals regardless of an individual's inability to pay for the services provided to a probate conservatee.

The deputies make recommendations to the Superior Court regarding the need for probate conservatorship and serve as probate conservator for more than 100 residents in our County. They:

Prepare a needs assessment
Participate in placement planning and execution
Monitor and advocate for care and treatment
Make medical decisions on behalf of the conservatee in consultation with professional staff and family.
Manage all financial affairs on behalf of the conservatee.

Typical situations that might require the Public Guardian Program's services:

A Contra Costa County resident suffers a stroke, is rendered incompetent to make medical decisions, and has no family or friends able or willing to become the decision maker. The resident needs placement out of the home.
A County resident is hospitalized with severe medical problems and requires placement in a nursing home. The family will not cooperate with the placement or facilitate payment for the resident's care in the nursing home. There are allegations that family members might be misusing the resident's money.

Referrals to the Public Guardian must be submitted in writing by completing the Public Guardian referral packet. Currently, due to Program budget constraints, the Public Guardian is unable to act as conservator for individuals living independently or who need financial management only. Call 925-646-2901 to request a referral packet. It is strongly advised that individuals not familiar with probate conservatorship call the Program at the above number to discuss the case specific circumstances with a deputy public guardian before completing the packet.

Contact the Public Guardian Program

1111 Ward Street, 3rd Floor
Martinez, CA 94553

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 8
Martinez, CA 94553-0112

Links

Fact Sheet about Conservatorships - Family Caregiver Alliance

Content provided by Contra Costa County Mental Health Division of Contra Costa Health Services.